Big Star was in born Memphis, Tennessee, in 1971 to Alex Chilton, Chris Bell, Jody Stephens and Andy Hummel. This month, Rhino released Keep an Eye on the Sky, a collection that spans 1968 to 1975 and shows the progression of Big Star through selections from such studio precursors as Rock City and Icewater; music from Big Star’s acclaimed recordings (#1 Record, Radio City, and Third/Sister Lovers); and relevant solo work by group principals Alex Chilton and Chris Bell, who formed Big Star in 1971 with bassist Andy Hummel and drummer Jody Stephens. The collection also uncovers a trove of unreleased demos, unused mixes, alternate versions of songs, and a 1973 concert recorded in Memphis. (Buy it at Rhino.)

All told there’s 98 tracks here, revealing the quiet brilliance and subtle influence the band has become known for over the years. Their unique blend of Brit-pop flavored American rock didn’t sell as well as some records of the ’70s, but as time goes by they garner more and more praise as catalysts for an entire wave of pop music. For fans, Keep an Eye on the Sky represents Big Star’s comeuppance, a well-deserved ode that’s been a long time coming. Gorgeous packaging includes never before seen photos, essays about the music, extensive liner notes and thoughts from the band. One in particular that caught our eye was from drummer Jody Stephens, who says, “Sure, it would’ve been nice to have been huge at the time. But, here we are, 30 years later, and Big Star is still playing, our music is turning up in movie soundtracks, and young people are still excited to discover the records. I mean, if that isn’t success, I don’t know what is.”

We agree. We took a moment to catch up with Stephen and talk about Ardent, the future of Big Star, and the success they’re enjoying now, never too late.

How has Ardent changed over the years?

With regard to the labels and our publishing company, the general focus is still on producing music we all like and connect with. With regard to the studios, technology has changed things quite a bit. Most clients use Pro Tools now, but we still have analog projects like The Raconteurs and The White Stripes. Jack White brought those projects to our engineer, John Hampton, on 8 track one inch analog tape. they mixed to 1/2 inch tape.

How did you first become connected to the studio?

I met John Fry (Ardent’s owner, founding father and Big Star’s engineer and mentor) through Andy Hummel and Chris Bell…probably March of 1970. I was still in high school. Andy, Chris, various others and I would come in to record during the studio’s off hours. We had the luxury of being able to take our time and experiment.

Are you still in love with the Big Star catalog?

Yes! I have always had my heart in it. Maybe that’s why I still love it. Aside from the songs and our performances, there is something very special about the sonics John Fry lent the Big Star recordings.

Is touring something you guys get excited about?

I always get excited about our shows. Nothing like that rush. That’s why I do them.

What’s your favorite Big Star song?

“Ballad of El Goodo.” One of those defining songs I think.

What spurred the reunion?

Two guys from the University of Missouri called and asked us to play their Spring Festival and we said yes. They were just offering to pay our expenses, but I thought it sounded like a good time especially when Jon and Ken were added to our line up. Having said that, I still find it hard to believe that it happened….. come to think of it I could say that about many Big Star things.

Has the band finally reached the audience it deserves?

People that connect with what we are doing and have a passion for it are a gift. We are lucky to have the audience we do.

What’s next for Jody Stephens aside from Big Star?

I would love to do some more work with Golden Smog or a band with a similar line up….live or recording. Ardent Music’s Star & Micey is looking for a drummer but I don’t know if I could repeatedly ride in a van all day and play that night Star & Micey’s debut release is on October 20. Luther Dickinson and I make cameo appearances. Pretty cool music and guys….they play regular venues but also busk in parks, outside football games and pretty much any place that has a lot of people.

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